Roof sling shingle support structure

ABSTRACT

A shingle support apparatus includes a first brace and a second brace, with each of the braces having elongated bodies with a length between 3.0 feet and 4.0 feet. The second brace extends parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace. A strap joins the first brace to the second brace. The strap has an adjustable length for changing a distance between the first brace and the second brace based on a pitch of a roof. Each of the braces may have a cross- sectional shape of one of a circle, a rectangle, or a square. A method of using the shingle support apparatus is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. utility patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,646, filed May 11, 2020 the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to the roofing arts, and specifically a support structure for storing shingles at delivery and during roof installation.

2. Related Art

Roofers, contractors, and construction suppliers load sloped roofs when roofing materials are delivered to job sites. This job is both physical and dangerous. One aspect of the job is stacking the shingles in a secure manner so they don't slide off the roof or change their shape. Two methods have been used for loading steep sloped roofs. One conventional method includes attaching a rigid wedge shaped platform over the peak of the roof, which is cumbersome and costly. Another conventional method includes nailing wood cleats to the roof in order to secure and support the shingle bundles. This process is labor intensive, dangerous, and could cause roof leaks from holes left by the cleat nails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a shingle support apparatus comprising a first brace having an elongated body. The shingle support apparatus also comprises a second brace having an elongated body extending parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace. The shingle support apparatus also comprises a strap joining the first brace to the second brace. The strap has an adjustable length for changing a distance between the first brace and the second brace.

The present disclosure also provides a shingle support apparatus comprising a first brace having an elongated body with a cross-sectional shape of one of a circle, a rectangle, or a square. The shingle support apparatus also comprises The shingle support apparatus also comprises a second brace having an elongated body with a cross-sectional shape of one of a circle, a rectangle, or a square. The elongated body of the second brace extends parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace. The shingle support apparatus also comprises a plurality of straps spaced apart from one another, with each strap of the plurality of straps joining the first brace to the second brace.

The present disclosure also provides a method of using a shingle support apparatus. The method comprises: placing a first brace having an elongated body on a roof with the elongated body of the first brace extending parallel to and spaced apart from a ridge of the roof; placing a second brace having an elongated body on the roof with the elongated body of the second brace extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first brace, with the ridge located between the first brace and the second brace; connecting, by a strap, the first brace and the second brace, with the first brace being spaced apart from the second brace by at least about ten inches; and carrying the shingle support apparatus onto the roof with the strap extending over a shoulder of a person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details, features and advantages of designs of the invention result from the following description of embodiment examples in reference to the associated drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shingle support apparatus positioned on a roof, according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the shingle support apparatus of FIG. 1, with a bundle of shingles disposed thereupon;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a shingle support apparatus, according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged portion of the shingle support apparatus of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 shows steps in a method of using a shingle support apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, the present invention will be described in detail in view of following embodiments. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a shingle support apparatus may include one or more straps by which braces can be inserted or attached to, that secure and support shingles at delivery and during roof installation. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a shingle support apparatus may include the adjustment of loop straps holding various positions to account for roof angles.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first shingle support apparatus 20 is located on a roof 10 of a building, such as a residence or a commercial building. The roof 10 includes two surfaces 12 that adjoin one another along a ridge 14. Each of the surfaces 12 of the roof 10 defines a pitch 16, which may be measured as an angle or as a ratio of rise in a vertical direction, to run in a horizontal direction. The pitch 16 may be specified in terms of length in inches of rise for each 12 inches of run. For example, a value of “9/12” for the pitch 16 may specify a surface 12 that rises by 9 inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run.

The first shingle support apparatus 20 includes a first brace 22 having an elongated body, and a second brace 23 having an elongated body extending parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace 22. Each of the braces 22, 23 lies on a corresponding one of the surfaces 12 of the roof 10, parallel to and spaced apart from the ridge 14. Each of the braces 22, 23 may have a cross-sectional shape of a circle, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, either or both of the braces 22, 23 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a square, a rectangle, or a triangle. The braces 22, 23 may be made of a lightweight material, such as polyethylene foam, which may be called by the trade name Ethafoam. Alternatively, the braces 22, 23 may include one or more other materials, such as wood, metal, and/or PVC tubing. The braces 22, 23 may have a length of about 3.0 feet to 4.0 feet. More specifically, each of the braces 22, 23 may have a length of about 42 inches. However, the braces 22, 23 may have a different length that may be less than 3.0 feet or greater than 4.0 feet. The length of the braces 22, 23 may depend on the dimensions of a load, such as a size of a bundle of shingles, to be supported by the first shingle support apparatus 20.

The first shingle support apparatus 20 also includes three first straps 24, with each of the first straps 24 extending over the ridge 14 of the roof 10 and connecting the two braces 22, 23 to one-another. The first shingle support apparatus 20 may include a different number of straps 24. In some embodiments, first shingle support apparatus 20 may include only one first strap 24 connecting the two braces 22, 23 to one another. In another embodiment, the first shingle support apparatus 20 may include two or more first straps 24 spaced apart from one another, connecting the two braces 22, 23 and holding the two braces 22, 23 in a spaced and parallel arrangement. The first straps 24 may extend parallel to one another between the two braces 22, 23. Alternatively or additionally, two or more of the first straps 24 may be arranged in a non-parallel fashion, such as an X-configuration. The first straps 24 may be made of nylon or another synthetic material, and may have a flat, elongated profile. However, the first straps 24 may be made of a different material and/or with a different configuration. For example, the first straps 24 may include a rope or cable. The first straps 24 each include a center portion 26 and two loops 28 spaced apart from one another, with the center portion 26 extending between two loops 28. Each of the loops 28 is configured to extend around a corresponding one of the braces 22, 23. The first straps 24 each also include a secondary loop support 30 located within a corresponding one of the loops 28. The secondary loop supports 30 surround and tightly conform to a periphery of a corresponding one of the braces 22, 23.

Each of the first straps 24 includes a first length adjuster 32, 34 configured to change a length of the first strap 24 to accommodate roofs 10 with different pitches. For example, a roof 10 with a very steep pitch may require the first straps 24 to be fairly close together in order to support a load, such as shingles, and to prevent the load from being subjected to excessive bending force long the ridge 14 of the roof 10. On the other hand, a roof 10 with a shallower pitch may accommodate the first straps 24 being further apart, while still supporting the load and preventing excessive bending force along the ridge 14 of the roof 10. The first shingle support apparatus 20 may be used with a roof 10 with two surfaces 12 having different pitches on either side of a common ridge 14. For example, one of the braces 22, 23 that is positioned on one of the two surfaces 12 having a steeper pitch may be located closer to the ridge 14 than the other one of the braces 22, 23 that is positioned on the other one of the surfaces 12 having the shallower pitch. In this way, each of the two braces 22, 23 can be level. The level of each of the two braces 22, 23 may also be equal to or approximately equal to a level of the ridge 14.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first length adjuster 32, 34 includes a buckle 32 that is configured to engage the center portion 26 of the first strap 24 at one of a plurality of holes 34 that are spaced apart at regular intervals along a length of the first strap 24. Thus, the buckle 32 and the holes 34 may cooperate to adjust the length of the first strap 24.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first shingle support apparatus 20, with a bundle of shingles 50 disposed thereupon. It should be appreciated that the first shingle support apparatus 20 may be used to support other types of loads. The load may include, for example, windows, solar panels, and/or building materials, such as plywood, or backing paper.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second shingle support apparatus 120. The second shingle support apparatus 120 includes a first brace 122 having an elongated body, and a second brace 123 having an elongated body extending parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace 122. Each of the braces 122, 123 lies on a corresponding one of the surfaces 12 of the roof 10, parallel to and spaced apart from the ridge 14. Each of the braces 122, 123 may have a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle, as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, either or both of the braces 122, 123 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a square, a circle, or a triangle. Each of the braces 122, 123 may have a height H as a distance extending above the surface 12 of the roof 10, and a width W as a distance extending parallel to the surface 12 of the roof 10. The height H may be, for example, 3.125 inches. However, the height H may have any other suitable value. The width W may be, for example, example, 3.875 inches. However, the width W may have any other suitable value. The braces 122, 123 may be made of a lightweight material, such as polyethylene foam, which may be called by the trade name Ethafoam. Alternatively, the braces 122, 123 may include one or more other materials, such as wood, metal, and/or PVC tubing. The braces 122, 123 may have a length L of about 3.0 feet to 4.0 feet. More specifically, each of the braces 122, 123 may have a length of about 42 inches. However, the braces 122, 123 may have a different length that may be less than 3.0 feet or greater than 4.0 feet. The length of the braces 122, 123 may depend on the dimensions of a load, such as a size of a bundle of shingles, to be supported by the second shingle support apparatus 120.

The second shingle support apparatus 120 also includes three second straps 124, with each of the second straps 124 extending over the ridge 14 of the roof 10 and connecting the two braces 122, 123 to one-another. The second shingle support apparatus 120 may include a different number of second straps 124. In some embodiments, the second shingle support apparatus 120 may include only one second strap 124 connecting the two braces 122, 123 to one another. In another embodiment, the second shingle support apparatus 120 may include two or more second straps 124 spaced apart from one another, connecting the two braces 122, 123 and holding the two braces 122, 123 in a spaced and parallel arrangement. The second straps 124 may extend parallel to one another between the two braces 122, 123. Alternatively or additionally, two or more of the first second straps 124 may be arranged in a non-parallel fashion, such as an X-configuration The second straps 124 may be made of nylon or another synthetic material, and may have a flat, elongated profile. However, the second straps 124 may be made of a different material and/or a material with a different shape. For example, the second straps 124 may include ropes or cables.

Each of the second straps 124 includes a first portion 140 and a second portion 142. The first portion 140 includes a first loop 128 that wraps around the first brace 122. A loop fastener 144 holds the material of the second strap 124 together to form the first loop 128. The loop fastener 144 may include a strap slider or a webbing slider, which may be formed of metal or plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the loop fastener 144 may include a buckle or another fastener, such as a rivet, bolt, stitching a weld, and/or an adhesive. In some embodiments, the loop fastener 144 may be adjustable for repositioning the corresponding second strap 124 relative to the corresponding one of the braces 122, 123. Alternatively, the loop fastener 144 may be permanently secured. The first portion 140 also includes a working end 146 spaced apart from the first loop 128.

The second portion 142 includes a second loop 130 that wraps around the second brace 123. The second loop 130 may be similar or identical to the first loop 128, and may include a loop fastener 144. The second portion 142 also includes a second length adjuster 132 configured to change a length of the second strap 124, for example, to accommodate roofs 10 with different pitches. The second length adjuster 132 may include, for example, a strap slider, a webbing slider, or a buckle. The working end 146 of the first portion 140 is configured to pass through the second length adjuster 132 of the second portion 142 for joining the first portion 140 and the second portion 142, and thus joining the two braces 122, 123. The second length adjuster 132 may be spaced apart from the second loop 130. Alternatively, the second length adjuster 132 may be located adjacent to the second loop 130.

In some embodiments, the first portion 140 may include a plurality of markings 150 at predetermined locations between the first loop 128 and the working end 146. Each of the plurality of markings 150 aligns with the second length adjuster 132 to denote a predetermined length of the second strap 124 for supporting a load upon a roof 10 with a corresponding pitch 16. For example, a first one of the markings 150 may result in a distance between the two braces 122, 123 being 18.0 inches apart, which may correspond to the roof 10 having a pitch 16 of 7/12 or 8/12. In another example, a second one of the markings 150 may result in a distance between the two braces 122, 123 being 14.5 inches apart, which may correspond to the roof 10 having a pitch 16 of 9/12 or 10/12 (i.e. steeper than the pitch of 7/12 or 8/12). The markings 150 may include marking or a row of stitching having a different color than the material of the corresponding second strap 124. Alternatively or additionally, the markings 150 may include a physical feature on the corresponding second strap 124, such as a hole, a notch, or a tag.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged portion of the second shingle support apparatus 120 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows details of the second length adjuster 132, which includes two rectangular rings of metal, which are each joined to the strap material of the second portion 142. The strap material may extend through each of the two rings of metal, loop back and be joined to form an end loop, which may be joined by stitching and/or by another fastening technique, such as welding and/or by an adhesive. It should be appreciated that this is merely an example embodiment, and the second length adjuster 132 could include different materials and/or have a different arrangement. FIG. 4 also shows details of the second loop 130, including its corresponding loop fastener 144. The loop fastener 144 includes two rectangular rings of metal, which are each joined to the strap material of the second loop 130. The strap material may extend through each of the two rings of metal, loop back and be joined to form an end loop, which may be joined by stitching and/or by another fastening technique, such as welding and/or by an adhesive. It should be appreciated that this is merely an example embodiment, and the second loop 130 could include different materials and/or have a different arrangement.

A method 200 of using a shingle support apparatus 20, 120 is shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5. The method 200 includes placing a first brace 22, 122 having an elongated body on a roof 10 with the elongated body of the first brace 22, 122 extending parallel to and spaced apart from a ridge 14 of the roof 10, at step 202.

The method 200 also includes placing a second brace 23, 123 having an elongated body on the roof 10, with the elongated body of the second brace 23, 123 extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first brace 22, 122, with the ridge 14 located between the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123, at step 204.

The method 200 also includes connecting, by a strap 24, 124, the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123, with the first brace 22, 122 being spaced apart from the second brace 23, 123 by at least about ten inches, at step 206. The spacing between the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123 may be a distance along the strap 24, 124 that extends therebetween. The spacing between the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123 may be, for example, 14.5 inches or 18 inches.

The method 200 also includes carrying the shingle support apparatus 20, 120 onto the roof 10 with the strap 24, 124 extending over a shoulder of a person at step 208. For example, a person may carry the shingle support apparatus 20, 120 with the first brace 22, 122 extending vertically along a front-side of the person's body, and with the second brace 23, 123 extending vertically along a back-side of the person's body (or vice-versa). Thus, the person may carry the support apparatus 20, 120 onto the roof 10 with both of their hands free for carrying other materials and/or for holding onto things, such as a handrail or rungs of a ladder. The braces 22, 23, 122, 123 may each have a length that is shorter than a distance between the person's shoulder and the ground, allowing the person to carry the shingle support apparatus 20, 120 without any of the braces 22, 23, 122, 123 contacting the ground. In some embodiments, for example, each of the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123 may have a length of between 3.0 feet and 4.0 feet. In some embodiments, the method 200 may also include the strap 24, 124 being one of a plurality of straps 24, 124, with each strap 24, 124 of the plurality of straps 24, 124 connecting the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may also include adjusting a distance between the first brace 22, 122 and the second brace 23, 123 by changing a length of the strap 24, 124 at step 210. In cases where there are two or more straps 24, 124, the lengths of each of the straps 24, 124 may each be adjusted to be the same length. The changes to the length of the straps 24, 124 may be made to accommodate roofs 10 with different pitches 16. For example, a roof 10 with a very steep pitch may require the straps 24, 124 to be fairly close together in order to support a load, such as shingles, and to prevent the load from being subjected to excessive bending force long the ridge 14 of the roof 10. On the other hand, a roof 10 with a shallower pitch may accommodate the straps 24, 124 being further apart, while still supporting the load and preventing excessive bending force along the ridge 14 of the roof 10. The second shingle support apparatus 120 may be used with a roof 10 with two surfaces 12 having different pitches on either side of a common ridge 14. For example, one of the braces 122, 123 that is positioned on one of the two surfaces 12 having a steeper pitch may be located closer to the ridge 14 than the other one of the braces 122, 123 that is positioned on the other one of the surfaces 12 having the shallower pitch. In this way, each of the two braces 122, 123 can be level. The level of each of the two braces 122, 123 may also be equal to or approximately equal to a level of the ridge 14.

In some embodiments, changing the length of the strap 24, 124 at step 210 may further comprise moving the strap through a length adjuster 32, 132 between two or more different predetermined locations 34, 150 along a length of the strap 24, 124. The predetermined locations 150 may be marked on the strap 24, 124. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined locations 150 may include structural features, such as holes 34, configured to be engaged by the length adjuster 32, 132. The predetermined locations 150 may correspond to predetermined lengths of the strap 24, 124 for a given pitch 16 of the roof 10.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may proceed with loading building materials, such as bundles of shingles 50, upon the shingle support apparatus 20, 120 and over the ridge 14 of the roof 10. The shingle support apparatus 20, 120 may then support portions of the building materials away from the ridge 14, thus preventing damage, such as damage from over-bending, that may occur if the building materials were not supported.

The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shingle support apparatus comprising: a first brace having an elongated body; a second brace having an elongated body extending parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace; and a strap joining the first brace to the second brace, the strap having an adjustable length for changing a distance between the first brace and the second brace.
 2. The shingle support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap is one of a plurality of straps spaced apart from one another and with each strap of the plurality of straps joining the first brace to the second brace.
 3. The shingle support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of straps comprises three straps.
 4. The shingle support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first brace and the second brace is adjustable between 14.5 inches and 18 inches.
 5. The shingle support apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first brace or the first brace is made of polyethylene foam.
 6. The shingle support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a length adjuster configured to change the length of the strap between two or more different predetermined lengths.
 7. The shingle support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the length adjuster includes a buckle configured to engage one of a plurality of holes in the strap corresponding to the predetermined lengths.
 8. The shingle support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the length adjuster includes a buckle and a plurality of length markings on the strap corresponding to the predetermined lengths.
 9. The shingle support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a first loop wrapping around the first brace and a working end spaced apart from the first loop, the second portion including a second loop wrapping around the second brace and a length adjuster; and wherein the working end of the first portion is configured to pass through the length adjuster of the second portion for joining the first portion and the second portion.
 10. The shingle support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first portion includes a plurality of markings at predetermined locations between the first loop and the working end; and wherein each of the plurality of markings aligns with the length adjuster to denote a predetermined length of the strap for supporting a load upon a roof with a corresponding pitch.
 11. A shingle support apparatus comprising: a first brace having an elongated body with a cross-sectional shape of one of a circle, a rectangle, or a square; a second brace having an elongated body with a cross-sectional shape of one of a circle, a rectangle, or a square, the elongated body of the second brace extending parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated body of the first brace; and a plurality of straps spaced apart from one another, with each strap of the plurality of straps joining the first brace to the second brace.
 12. The shingle support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least one of the first brace of the second brace is one of a rectangle or a square.
 13. The shingle support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the braces are spaced apart by a distance of at least about ten inches.
 14. The shingle support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the braces are spaced apart by a distance of between 14.5 inches and 18 inches.
 15. The shingle support apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first brace or the first brace is made of polyethylene foam.
 16. A method of using a shingle support apparatus, comprising: placing a first brace having an elongated body on a roof with the elongated body of the first brace extending parallel to and spaced apart from a ridge of the roof; placing a second brace having an elongated body on the roof with the elongated body of the second brace extending parallel to and spaced apart from the first brace, with the ridge located between the first brace and the second brace; connecting, by a strap, the first brace and the second brace, with the first brace being spaced apart from the second brace by at least about ten inches; and carrying the shingle support apparatus onto the roof with the strap extending over a shoulder of a person.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the strap is one of a plurality of straps, with each of the plurality of straps connecting the first brace and the second brace.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the first brace and the second brace has a length of between 3.0 feet and 4.0 feet.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: adjusting a distance between the first brace and the second brace by changing a length of the strap.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein changing the length of the strap further comprises moving the strap through a strap adjuster between two or more different predetermined locations. 